By Kimberly Orozco |Contributing Writer| As technology develops, children are being exposed at a much younger age to smartphones and tablets which can ultimately expose them to the harm we try to protect them from. In the last decade cell phones and tablets have become easily accessible and more common in every household and parents now face the question, “what age is appropriate to give my child a phone or tablet?" According to Influence Central, 2016 research shows that children around the age 10 through 12 receive their first smartphone. Technology is a becoming an essential part of our everyday lives, even for adolescents. Influence Central research also shows 39 percent … [Read more...] about Screen tweens
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Preteens don’t need smartphones
By Cherae Hunt |Asst. News Editor| My youngest sister is 12 years old and has a smartphone. When she showed it to me, I was bewildered—she doesn't need a smartphone—I didn't even get a cell phone until I was in high school and it sure wasn't a smartphone. "Today about 80 percent of teens between 12 and 17 own a cell phone, and about half of those own a smart phone—that's about twice the rate from just two years ago," said Shawn DuBravac, chief economist and senior director of research at the Consumer Electronics Association. I thought to myself: am I suffering from the green eyed monster, or does my sister truly need a smartphone at age 12? I think when you are that young and … [Read more...] about Preteens don’t need smartphones
Smartphone users, all brands, “disadvantaged” when phoneless
By Marlyn Rodriguez |Managing Editor| Smartphone users’ cognitive ability is impacted negatively when separated from their devices. According to valuetalk.com, University of Missouri researchers ran a study where they separated iPhone users from their phones and found that this caused a downturn on mental task performance. Lead study author Russell Clayton suggested that the technological advances incorporated into the iPhone have contributed to the possibility that some people see their phone as an extension of themselves. Clayton also mentions that being separated from phones will not only lead to separation anxiety but will also cause negative effects on a person’s … [Read more...] about Smartphone users, all brands, “disadvantaged” when phoneless
Is technology dumbing us down?
By Andy Quintana |Staff Writer| Technology can make people lose focus of there surrounding. Here is an example. The San Francisco Gate reported the Sept. 23, shooting death of a 20-year-old man by a 30-year-old suspect, in an apparent random encounter inside a crowded Muni train. While the suspect allegedly waved his gun around, dozens of passengers remained engaged on their smartphones and tablets. Then he randomly shot and killed someone. We have become so dependent on our technology that we cannot even be aware of our surroundings. We aren’t even conscious when there is a gun just a few feet away. Student Danny Cruz agrees. “My iPhone is my life, my baby,” said Cruz. … [Read more...] about Is technology dumbing us down?
Apps are students favorite pastime
By Amanda Wigley |Staff Writer| In this day and age we can find an app for just about anything. Apple products, such as the iPhone, are well-known for their astonishing amount of apps. In June 2008 there were approximately 800 apps available for Apple products. And as of September 2012 there are close to 700,000 apps available. I spoke with students around campus and Edgar Silva noted that his favorite apps are “ones that keep me informed, like the CSUSB mobile app, just in case I am not close to a computer and need information.” Silva also likes social media apps such as Facebook. As you can imagine with seven hundred thousand apps, they fill a wide range of interests. After … [Read more...] about Apps are students favorite pastime
Apps empower and entertain
By Jessica Ramirez Staff Writer You can connect with others, entertain, pay your bills and even navigate your way to your next destination with just a touch of a button. Pandora, Google Maps, Facebook, Twitter and the new favorite app of IE residents, i411 Inlandempire, are a few of the apps that seem a part of many CSUSB students’ smartphones or other electric devices such as the iPod or iPad. There are thousands of applications that run on many screens throughout the day but which apps are the most popular at CSUSB campus? Here is a list of student favorites. “Angry Birds! It’s so addicting and entertaining,” says student Brenda Perez. The addicting app Angry Birds is one … [Read more...] about Apps empower and entertain
Smartphones outsmarting our privacy
By Kati Patag Staff Writer More than just smart, smartphones are intuitive and intrusive all in one, the connectivity we take for granted is both cursed and blessed. Most people now have them and are utilizing all of the handy applications, Internet accessibility and the included camera. Did you know these amazing phones could be providing people with information about you? It is coming out that there is a geo-tracking device in the phones that can link your exact location through pictures that are taken with your smartphone and posted online to your Facebook, Twitter, Gowalla, and Foursquare which allows people to “check-in,” but also sends your whereabouts to Facebook … [Read more...] about Smartphones outsmarting our privacy